Prospects of Strengthening Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Estonia Discussed in Tallinn
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Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko paid a working visit to Tallinn, where he held meetings with Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia Jonatan Vseviov and Chairman of the Estonia-Kazakhstan friendship group in the Riigikogu (Parliament) Vadim Belobrovtsev, press service of the Kazakh MFA reports.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, the parties discussed the prospects for developing Kazakh-Estonian political dialogue, enhancing trade, economic and investment cooperation, as well as interaction within the framework of international organizations. Additionally, the issues related to organization of bilateral visits and facilitating the development of inter-departmental ties, as well as business, cultural and educational exchanges were addressed. The parties exchanged views on pressing issues on the regional and international agenda.
Furthermore, Roman Vassilenko emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership with the European Union with a focus on the effective implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the EU.
During the meeting with the Estonian deputy, Roman Vassilenko briefed his counterpart on the progress of political and economic reforms in Kazakhstan, particularly on the new electoral system, measures to strengthen parliamentarianism and multi-party system. The parties discussed the opportunities for advancing parliamentary diplomacy and ways to involve parliamentarians further in bilateral cooperation. In this regard, an agreement was reached to elaborate the visit of the Estonian friendship group delegation to Kazakhstan by the end of this year.
During the visit, Roman Vassilenko also participated in the Lennart Meri Conference, where he presented Kazakh approaches to addressing issues on international and regional agenda.
In 2023, the volume of mutual trade between Kazakhstan and Estonia reached 157.5 million US dollars, reflecting a 29% increase (exports of 78.1 million US dollars, imports of 79.4 million US dollars).
As of January 1, 2024, there are 74 companies with Estonian capital operating in Kazakhstan.
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Kazakhstan and Russia Hold Interagency Consultations on Biological Security
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The latest interagency bilateral consultations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation on ensuring biological security were held, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the consultations, the sides exchanged up-to-date information on the current situation in the field of biological security at the regional and global levels, and also discussed prospects for further development of cooperation in bilateral, regional, and multilateral formats.
Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the context of promoting the initiative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to establish an International Agency for Biological Security.
The parties confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation in the areas of scientific exchange, training of specialized personnel, as well as conducting joint activities to monitor the epidemiological situation in border areas.
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Kazakhstan Presented Its Tourism Potential in Shanghai
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The international tourism exhibition ITB China 2026 was held in Shanghai, where Kazakhstan presented two major cities of the Republic - Astana and Almaty. The Kazakhstan pavilion occupied a central location at the exhibition and featured 17 Kazakh tour operators, as well as the airlines Air Astana and Fly Arystan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
With the support of the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Shanghai, the Almaty City Government organized the event "Almaty Tourism Day in Shanghai," aimed at promoting the tourism potential of Kazakhstan’s southern metropolis on both the international and Chinese markets.
The Consul General of Kazakhstan in Shanghai, Nurlan Akkoshkarov, delivered a welcoming speech to the guests of the event, including representatives of foreign consulates general in Shanghai, Chinese tourism organizations, local municipal authorities, and business representatives. He emphasized that Almaty today is not only the largest metropolis in Kazakhstan, but also a modern tourism, cultural, and business hub of Central Asia. The Consul General highlighted the city’s unique combination of picturesque nature, mountain landscapes, developed infrastructure, rich gastronomy, and traditional hospitality.
The "Almaty Tourism Day in Shanghai" became not only a presentation of the city, but also a platform for establishing new business contacts, discussing joint projects, and opening new opportunities for cooperation between the tour operators of the two countries, building upon the friendly relations established between Almaty and Shanghai in June 2025.
A dance flash mob in the center of Shanghai became one of the highlights of Kazakhstan’s participation in ITB China 2026, attracting the attention of the international audience and promoting a dynamic and modern image of Kazakhstan.
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Presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia to sign joint statement on seven pillars of friendship of two nations
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Presidents of Kazakhstan and Russia - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Vladimir Putin - will sign a joint statement on seven pillars of friendship and good-neighborliness of the two countries. This is what the Head of State said during the extended talks in Astana, Qazinform News Agency reports.
According to him, at the narrow-format meeting, the parties confirmed absence of any problematic issues on the bilateral agenda.
I view your visit as a confirmation of a special character of the relations between our countries, firm commitment to their further development in the spirit of future strategic relationship and alliance," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Tokayev emphasized that there are no so-called disputable issues between the two countries. A positive dynamic is present.
We are tirelessly developing cooperation and enriching it with new ideas and projects. In this regard, I would like to emphasize the special significance of today’s joint statement on the seven pillars of friendship and good-neighborliness between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Russia. This document reflects the spirit of our relations and affirms our shared commitment to further strengthening the solid, long-term ties between our states," said the Kazakh President.
As it was reported, on May 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Astana for a state visit at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
During the talks, the two leaders are expected to discuss the state and prospects for strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership and allied relations between Kazakhstan and Russia.
As part of the visit, the Kazakh capital will host the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council and the Eurasian Economic Forum.
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Kazakhstan and Hong Kong Expand Investment Cooperation
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The Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Bauyrzhan Dosmanbetov, held meetings with representatives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China business community, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
As part of the discussions on trade and economic cooperation, meetings were held with Jonathan Choi (Tsai Kuan-shum), Chairman of "Sunwah Group", and Liu Liqiang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of "Jiaxin International Resources Investment Limited".
During the meetings, the Chairman of "Sunwah Group" proposed considering the establishment of a permanent distribution center to organize the supply of construction materials from the city of Foshan (Guangdong Province) for the needs of the construction sector of Kazakhstan. For his part, the Chairman of "Jiaxin International Resources Investment Limited" shared the company's plans regarding the implementation of the subsequent stages of the ongoing industrial project aimed at manufacturing higher value-added products.
Following the negotiations, the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China confirmed its readiness to provide comprehensive administrative support to investment initiatives. The official visit of John Lee, accompanied by a delegation of over 60 executives from leading multinational corporations, is highly expected to reinforce Kazakhstan's status as the primary trade and economic partner of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China in Central Asia.
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Practical Implementation of Agreements Discussed with UN ESCAP
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Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) Margulan Baimukhan met with Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Professor Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana at the Commission’s headquarters in Bangkok, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of decisions adopted at the 82nd session of the Commission as well as the coordination of timelines and stages for the implementation of the resolution establishing the UN ESCAP Digital Solutions Centre for Sustainable Development in Almaty. The decision to establish this new UN institution was adopted by consensus during the 82nd session of the Commission.
The meeting also addressed Kazakhstan’s activities as a member of the Governing Council of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology of ESCAP (APCTT) for 2026–2027, including the development of regional approaches to technology transfer and efforts to help reduce the technology gap in the AsiaPacific region.
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From the Great Steppe to "Kazakh-boo": Brussels Hosts Discussion on Growing European Interest in Kazakhstan
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In the heart of the European capital, a traditional Kazakh yurt was turned into a venue for travel, discovery, and authentic stories about modern Kazakhstan. It hosted the second edition of the Shanyraq Dialogues series entitled: "The Silk Road Without Stereotypes: Real Travel Stories from Kazakhstan", Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Belgium, the event brought together representatives of EU institutions, European media, the tourism industry, bloggers, cultural figures, and friends of Kazakhstan.
Opening the discussion, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko noted that Kazakhstan today is becoming not only an important bridge between Europe and Asia, but also a new destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences, vast landscapes, and genuine human connections.
Today, Europe is increasingly discovering Kazakhstan not only as a modern state and a bridge between East and West, but also as the successor to the great civilization of the Golden Horde, which played a significant role in the history of Eurasia. Just yesterday, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev particularly emphasized this historical continuity in his address at an international symposium in Astana."
The discussion was moderated by Antonio Buscardini, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travel Tomorrow and President of The Press Club Brussels Europe. He noted that some social media users, especially young Europeans, even jokingly refer to this growing interest as "Kazakh-boo".
The evening’s main speakers were travelers, journalists, and media project creators who had explored Kazakhstan firsthand.
Sven Hoyaux, Editor-in-Chief of Porschist magazine, spoke about his travels across different regions of the country and the preparation of a special issue dedicated to Kazakhstan. His presentation was accompanied by video footage of steppe landscapes, mountain routes, and modern cities.
Particular attention was drawn to the story of Belgian traveler Claude Brouir, who crossed Kazakhstan by bicycle. He admitted being impressed by the country’s scale, the openness of its people, and how easy it is to connect with people there.
The audience also showed strong interest in behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of the popular TV show Pékin Express in Kazakhstan, shared by producer Inga Chumakova. The show remains one of the best-known travel formats on French-speaking television. According to the project participants, the combination of modern cities, natural landscapes, and the warmth of the people became the main discovery for the European film crew.
During the discussion, participants also highlighted the recent international symposium in Astana dedicated to the legacy of the Golden Horde, noting the growing interest in the history of the Great Steppe as an important part of Kazakhstan’s cultural and historical identity.
Participants emphasized that such initiatives contribute to strengthening interest in Kazakhstan across Europe and help present the country more broadly as a modern tourist, cultural, and intellectual destination.
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